Pakistan Holds Firm at 259-5 as South Africa’s Fielding Falters on Day 1

South Africa’s bowlers created numerous chances but were let down by four dropped catches, allowing Pakistan to seize control on a sluggish Rawalpindi pitch in this ICC World Test Championship clash.

Pakistan, opting to bat first, adopted a cautious approach, maintaining a run rate below three per over. The hosts faced early pressure from South Africa’s pace attack, with Kagiso Rabada inducing an edge from Shafique off the first ball, only for Tristan Stubbs to drop a regulation catch at third slip. Imam-ul-Haq survived two edges that fell short, while Shafique escaped again when Marco Jansen’s delivery clipped the stumps without dislodging the bails.

South Africa’s spinners, Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer, entered the fray early. Maharaj missed a return catch off Shafique, and another edge failed to carry. Harmer broke through by bowling Imam-ul-Haq, but Pakistan reached lunch at 95 for 1, thanks to a solid foundation laid by Masood and Shafique.

The second session saw Pakistan’s key 111-run partnership flourish. Masood injected momentum with three sixes off Harmer and Senuran Muthusamy, while Shafique, dropped again on 15 and 41, ground out a 120-ball fifty. South Africa’s fielding woes continued as Aiden Markram fumbled an edge off Shafique at slip. Harmer finally dismissed Shafique, caught behind down the leg side, before Babar Azam fell to a spectacular one-handed grab by Tony de Zorzi off Maharaj. At tea, Pakistan stood at 177 for 3.

In the final session, Saud Shakeel’s unbeaten 42 provided stability as Pakistan added 82 runs for two wickets. Masood fell for 87, top-edging a sweep off Maharaj, while Rabada struck with the second new ball, trapping Mohammad Rizwan lbw. South Africa’s bowlers, particularly Maharaj (2-63) and Harmer (2-75), toiled, but edges fell short on seven occasions, compounding their frustration.

With the pitch showing signs of low bounce and potential for spin, Pakistan are well-placed to build on their score. South Africa, languishing at the bottom of the WTC standings, will need sharper fielding and disciplined bowling to fight back on Day 2.